Written by Dave Clarke
Creating Space in 1v1s
The very best strikers find space when they go into 1v1s, creating the best opportunities to score goals. The more space exploited, the more chances can be created
Coaching Objectives
This drill requires players to exploit space and create overloads to overwhelm the opposition.
Drill Setup
- 10 Mins
- 16 Players
- 2 Large & 8 Small Goals
- 8 Bibs
- 25x20 y
What the Players Do
For this drill you need a main playing area of 20x20 yards with two large goals with four small playing areas of 5x5 yards on each corner of the main pitch each with two small goals. You need 16…Switch Play At Speed
Switching play is key to teams keeping possession when one side of the pitch is covered by opponents and the way forward is difficult – players should be scanning to know where the space is so they can switch the ball to a player in space.
Coaching Objectives
- Support play with good position
- Scan before receiving
- Be diagonal to the ball
- Pass into player movement
- Receive on the back foot
- Be open to the play when receiving
- Look to switch play with good passing and weight of pass
Drill Setup
- 25 Mins
- 11+ Players
- 3 x dark blue 3 x light blue 3 x yellow 2 x red Bibs
- 28 x 18 y
What the Players Do
Set up as shown with three dark blue players on one side and three light blue players on the other side plus three yellow players in the central zone, with two red players to transfer the ball in the…Switch and Score
Switching play is a good way of exploiting areas of the pitch that have a lot of space. If your opponents block one side go the other way
Coaching Objectives
When teams are holding up play on one side of the pitch you want your players to switch play to where there is space and open up the defence.
Drill Setup
- 20 Mins
- 12 Players
- 2 Goals
- 5 Bibs
- 40 x 30 y